A rare astronomical phenomenon is set to captivate North America on Monday, April 8, as a solar eclipse crosses the continent
The celestial event will offer observers in Newtown a unique experience, although the area will not witness the total eclipse. Instead, residents can expect to see nearly two-thirds of the sun obscured by the moon.
In an eclipse, the sky darkens to a twilight-like state, and the sun’s corona becomes visible to those directly in its path, according to NASA.
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In Newtown, the sun will be 89.5 percent obscured, with the eclipse beginning just after 2 p.m., peaking at 3:24 p.m., and concluding shortly after 4:30 p.m.
Credit: Tom Sofield/NewtownPANow.com
The forecast for Monday is partly sunny skies and a high of 51 degrees expected.
For those eager to experience the eclipse in its totality, travels to locations in Pennsylvania near Erie, Texas, Arkansas, Ohio, New York, or other states lying directly in the path are needed.
The total eclipse will start in Texas at 1:27 p.m. CT and conclude in Maine by 3:35 p.m. ET, creating at least a partial display across the U.S. Every state is guaranteed at least a partial glimpse of the eclipse, with visibility lowest in the Northwest.
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Pennsylvania officials said there are approximately 435,000 Pennsylvanians living within the eclipse’s path of totality, especially in Crawford and Erie counties, as well as parts of Mercer and Warren counties. The City of Erie anticipates the arrival of over 200,000 eclipse chasers.
In Erie, spectators will be treated to a total solar blackout from 3:16 p.m. to 3:18 p.m.
Pennsylvania officials have identified four state parks within the eclipse’s path: Presque Isle State Park, Erie Bluffs State Park, Pymatuning State Park, and Maurice K. Goddard State Park.
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Preparations by PennDOT, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and local officials have been undertaken to manage the expected crowds and traffic.
“It’s important to realize that if you know an event is going to happen, you can plan to minimize its impact,” said PEMA Director Randy Padfield. “Make sure that you’ve taken care of routine errands before April 8 or take care of them the next day. Anyone who lives or works in northwest Pennsylvania needs to think ahead about how they will get to work, handle childcare and attend to any important medical appointments the day of the eclipse. It is highly recommended that any unnecessary travel be delayed or rescheduled.”
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon aligns perfectly with the sun, casting a shadow on Earth.
Monday’s eclipse will be the first one visible over the area since 2017.
The next time the contiguous U.S. will next witness a total solar eclipse in 2044. However, for those hoping to see a total eclipse from our area, a significantly longer wait is in store. It won’t be until May 1, 2079 that southeastern Pennsylvania will be treated to a total eclipse, NASA officials said.
Looking directly at the sun can cause permanent retinal damage. NASA recommends using special eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer for safe viewing.
